The Andrews Labor Government is extending the Free Tram Zone and delivering extra train and tram services to help footy fans enjoy the Grand Final week festivities in Melbourne.
The Free Tram Zone is being extended to the MCG from Wednesday 26 September through to Grand Final Day on Saturday 29 September, helping tens of thousands of visitors heading to the big match, the Friday Grand Final Parade, or the Footy Festival at Yarra Park from Wednesday.
Services from the city to stops 9, 10 and 11 on Wellington Parade near the MCG will be free, as will services to stops 7a and 7b at Rod Laver Arena and stop 7c at MCG/Hisense Arena.
With 100,000 fans expected to pack the MCG on the big day, Grand Final Day will also see more than 30 extra metropolitan train services, and around 150 extra tram services added to the normal Saturday timetable and extra capacity on regional train lines.
Extra staff will be on hand near the MCG, and at Flinders Street Station, to help direct fans, including thousands of extra fans also expected to cheer on the Pies on the big screen at the Holden Centre.
With the planned closure of Swan Street, Fans should also note that from 4pm until the last tram on Saturday 29th, Route 70 will be diverted to follow Route 75 (via Bridge Rd) in both directions between Flinders St/Russell St & Riversdale Junction.
Fans can also enjoy access to all night public transport to get them home on Friday and Saturday nights with fares on Grand Final Friday and Saturday capped at $6.30 a day for travel in Zones 1 and 2.
From this year onward, the extension to the Free Tram Zone will be a permanent fixture for AFL Grand Final week.
Further information is available at or by calling 1800 800 007.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“Grand Final week is a massive celebration for Australian families and we’re making sure more fans can be part of the activities with the Friday public holiday, the Free Tram Zone extension and extra public transport.
“Whether you’re heading to the Grand Final parade, the Footy Festival, training sessions or the big game itself at the MCG, we’re putting on public transport services to get you there.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Sport John Eren
“The Free Tram Zone will be extended in Grand Final Week every year – yet another way we are ensuring the Grand Final remains one of Australia’s premier sporting events.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020